Fibres & carbohydrates

Is the nutraceutical industry prepared for a second wave of COVID?

08-Sep-2020 By Danielle Masterson

Based on interviews with key players across the globe, industry is locked and loaded should a second round of coronavirus strike.

Palm fruit ingredient smooths flavor notes, adds nutrition in coffee pairing

01-Sep-2020 By Hank Schultz

A new functional food offering shows how an ingredient can do double duty as a food additive as well as a dietary ingredient packing a powerful phytochemical punch.

Study finds D-ribose cuts muscle soreness in untrained young men

17-Aug-2020 By Hank Schultz

A recent study has found that D-ribose supplementation attenuated muscle soreness after exercise in a cadre of untrained college students.

Nestlé Health Science in deal to develop gut–brain axis-triggering weight loss capsule

13-Aug-2020 By Will Chu

Nestlé Health Science announces the start of a partnership to commercialise a self‐expanding capsule that trials have shown triggers the feeling of satiety via the gut–brain axis thereby leading to weight loss.

Paper suggests looking at microbiome changes as way to judge effect of protein, fiber intake in older adults

11-Aug-2020 By Hank Schultz

Recent research suggests that at looking the microbiome changes that result from increased protein and fiber consumption could be a better way to design nutritional plans that decrease the incidence of sarcopenia and obesity in older adults.

Grain fermentation can produce a cost-effective, vegan alternative to B12 fortification

10-Aug-2020 By Oliver Morrison

Grains fermented with Propionibacterium freudenreichii – the bacteria usually used as a ripening culture in Swiss-type cheese -- have enough vitamin B12 to be nutritionally significant and could potentially be cheaper than fortification, according to...

Commentary article of the week

Pandemic could be lever to open up new era in health claims

31-Jul-2020 By Hank Schultz

The dietary supplement industry has an opportunity to help shape the debate about optimal health in wake of the pandemic crisis.

Carb consumption does not improve intermittent sprint cycling, say researchers

28-Jul-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

Carbohydrate ingestion does not enhance performance or modulate physiological responses during intermittent maximal, sprint cycling, according to a newly published study from Ulster University, UK.

Case studies: High-carb plant-based diets improve type 1 diabetes

27-Jul-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

Plant-based diets rich in whole carbohydrates can improve insulin sensitivity and other health markers in individuals with type 1 diabetes, according to two case studies published by researchers from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

Curcumin-pomegranate mix cuts inflammation in runners

24-Jul-2020 By Hank Schultz

A mixture of curcumin and pomegranate has shown a reduction in systemic inflammation in a study done with runners in a half marathon race.

Fiber in diet shown to improve gut health measures for bedridden patients

22-Jul-2020 By Hank Schultz

A recent study suggests that dietary fiber improves measures of gut health and patient comfort for people subjected to heavy doses of antibiotics in a hospital setting.

India’s immune health surge: Nation leads APAC in number of new product launches – new data

21-Jul-2020 By Tingmin Koe

India is leading the APAC market with the highest number of new food, drinks and supplements that bear immune system-boosting claims launched in the last five months. Australia and Indonesia ranked second and third.

Meat your match: Protein with strong potential for plant-based athletes

17-Jul-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

Mycoprotein, the mushroom derived protein source found in meat replacement products, stimulates muscle growth better than a leucine-matched portion of milk protein, according to a new study in resistance trained men.

3D-printed supplements: Nourished taps vitamin deficiency in Middle East to expand personalised nutrition business

16-Jul-2020 By Guan Yu Lim

UK-based personalised nutrition company Nourished is eyeing the high vitamin deficiency levels in the Middle East region as an opportunity to expand its operations across the region.

New evidence: Late night protein won't help control blood sugar after breakfast

14-Jul-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

Two new studies have shown that late night consumption of protein doesn't help control glyceamic response to the following morning's breakfast, with one showing it may even have a negative effect.

‘Double-edged sword’: Supplement firms need to be wary of China’s new livestreaming regulations

14-Jul-2020 By Tingmin Koe

China’s newly introduced regulations on livestreaming marketing is being viewed as a double-edge sword by the supplements and health foods industry.

Avocado pulp may speed post-exercise cardiovascular recovery: RCT

09-Jul-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Consuming avocado pulp prior to aerobic exercise may accelerate cardiovascular recovery after exercise, with blood pressure and heart rate returning to normal levels faster than placebo, suggests a small study from Brazil.

Purition wants to shake-up breakfast: 'Clean label means highly-processed ingredients and fake foods'

02-Jul-2020 By Katy Askew

Purition is a UK protein shake manufacturer that wants to disrupt a breakfast offering that, co-founder Edward Taylor says, is too often characterised by ‘half truths’ and ‘nutrition myths’. What makes Purition different? “We play it straight down the...

NutraCast Podcast: Navindra Seeram, PhD on the health benefits of maple

19-Jun-2020 By Danielle Masterson

When you think of exotic trees, the divi-divi in Aruba or palm trees in the Bahamas may come to mind. But the familiar Sugar Maple tree has its exotic side, too.

ANSES: ‘Limit exposure to nanomaterial-containing foods.’

12-Jun-2020 By Will Chu

France’s National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) is reiterating advice to consumers to ‘limit exposure’ of nanomaterials in food.

Mediterranean diet effective in IBD as part of multidimensional approach, says study

10-Jun-2020 By Will Chu

Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) could benefit from following a Mediterranean diet, after a study finds an impact on nutritional state and disease activity.

Non-dairy fermented beverages show promise as probiotic and prebiotic carriers: Review

09-Jun-2020 By Will Chu

Legumes, cereals, pseudocereals, fruits, and vegetables show much promise as transport mediums for probiotics, prebiotics, and bioactive compounds to the gut at concentrations that prove beneficial, says researchers.

Fermented foods: How many lactic acid bacteria actually reach the gut?

04-Jun-2020 By Flora Southey

Fermented foods are a rich source of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which are potentially probiotic. But when such foods are consumed, how many LAB become part of the microbiome?

Pharmactive launches carob fruit extract that offers weight management support

28-May-2020 By Danielle Masterson

The manufacturer says its new product, dubbed CSAT+, a blend of carob bean extracts, is showing promise in weight management and metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Newly identified ‘metabolic signature’ can determine adherence to Mediterranean diet, help predict CVD risk

28-May-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

A newly identified “metabolic signature” can evaluate an individual’s adherence and metabolic response to the Mediterranean diet and help predict future risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to new research.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure: Researchers turn bread waste into vitamin C

25-May-2020 By Gill Hyslop

US researchers have devised a bioprocess that converts glucose from bread waste into value-added products such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Making sustainable waves: SeaGrown on its plans for the UK's first offshore seaweed farm

13-May-2020 By Oliver Morrison

Fast-growing, robust, sustainable, nutritious... it even tastes like bacon. Is there no end to seaweed's talents? Meet the firm establishing what it claims is the UK’s first and only commercial offshore seaweed farm.

Study: Eating almonds may help lower CVD risk factors and associated healthcare costs

07-May-2020 By Mary Ellen Shoup

A recent study conducted by researchers at Tufts University suggests that consuming 1.5 ounces of almonds per day, compared to no almond consumption, may help reduce CVD risk factors such as elevated LDL cholesterol levels, and as a result, reduce an...

Flavonoid-rich diet linked to lower Alzheimer's risk, says large-scale study

07-May-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

Older adults who consumed large amounts of flavonoid-rich foods were two to four times less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and related dementias over 20 years compared with people whose intake was low, in a study of 2,800 people.

Coronavirus: Doctors outline role of immunonutrition

05-May-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

Better use of immunonutrition could benefit vulnerable groups during a pandemic such as COVID-19, according to an article published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health.

Citrus extract may help with weight management, industry study funds

24-Apr-2020 By Will Chu

A polyphenolic dietary compound may reduce body weight, fat mass, and Body Mass Index (BMI) in obese subjects, says an industry-backed study, which points to the flavonoids’ inhibitory action as a possible explanation.

‘I’m not sure the current demand is a true reflection of what the market will support,’ says Gemini Pharma CEO

22-Apr-2020 By Stephen Daniells

Skyrocketing consumer interest in dietary supplements is placing increasing demands on a supply chain straining under national and international efforts to contain the novel Coronavirus, but could this be creating artificial demand?

Getting "the edge": Are carb-rich diets as effective as sports supplements?

20-Apr-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

Common "edge" sports nutrition products are no more effective at promoting recovery than carbohydrate-rich, potato-based foods, according to new research funded by the Alliance for Potato Research & Education.

Value of veggies pre-pregnancy: Eight traditional Aussie fresh products linked to full term deliveries

20-Apr-2020 By Gary Scattergood

An analysis of the diets of nearly 3500 Australian women found high consumption of carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, pumpkin, cabbage, green beans and potatoes before conception helped women reach full term pregnancy.

Thousands sign petition demanding Holland & Barrett store closures

08-Apr-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

Holland & Barrett staff have set up a petition, signed by thousands of staff and customers, begging the company to close its stores during the coronavirus pandemic as they argue their lives and the lives of customers are being put at risk.

Unproven COVID-19 health claims: China’s crackdown on ads for oral sprays, probiotics and anti-hangover tea

07-Apr-2020 By Tingmin Koe

The Chinese authorities have named and shamed a string of fake advertisement, mostly surrounding unproven COVID-19 health claims.

Startup Spotlight

Startup's next-gen platform cultivates customised microalgae on demand

06-Apr-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

A marine ingredient start-up is tapping into the 'immense potential of marine supercrops’ with its next-gen platform for cultivating customised, pharmaceutical grade microalgae on demand.

Dietitian's view: Vitamin C and immunity

06-Apr-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

Vitamin C supplements are flying off the shelves but is there any truth in claims that this could help in the fight against COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses? Independent dietitian Carrie Ruxton explains all.

Vitafoods hosts Digital Week for online innovation experience

02-Apr-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

Vitafoods has announced it will be hosting a Digital Week (11-15 May 2020) dedicated to supporting and inspiring the nutraceutical industry by giving exclusive access to the latest science, insight and trends.

Analysis calls attention to importance of gut function

30-Mar-2020 By Danielle Masterson

There is a growing appreciation for the gut microbiome, which has been linked to impacting everything from metabolism to hormones to mental health.

Plant-based diet could be 'helpful' to vulnerable during pandemic, say researchers

30-Mar-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

The high antioxidant, flavonoid and fibre intake associated with a plant-based diet can help manage asthma and this could be helpful for many vulnerable people during this pandemic, according to the authors of a new clinical review.

EDITOR'S SPOTLIGHT: SCIENCE & REGULATION

Italian authorities clamp down on e-retailer coronavirus claims

25-Mar-2020 By Will Chu

Italy’s Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) has ordered an online retailer to stop using preventive claims against the coronavirus to sell supplement, cosmetic and detergent products.

Coronavirus: Changes, challenges and opportunities in the supplement space

24-Mar-2020 By Danielle Masterson

Natural Products Expo West was supposed to be a launching pad for many new products. With the cancellation of the show and the many other coronavirus-related dislocations, natural products companies are scrambling to adapt.

COVID-19: How to use diet and supplements to maintain immunity... and sanity

19-Mar-2020 By Nikki Hancocks

A dietitian and founder of a 'good mood food' startup has shared her tips for maintaining good mental health during the uncertain times of this COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19: Expo West canceled as New Hope shifts focus to Expo East

13-Mar-2020 By Elaine Watson

In an announcement that will not likely surprise many stakeholders, New Hope has decided to cancel (rather than postpone) the Natural Products Expo West trade show in Anaheim and focus its attention on Expo East in Philadelphia (Sept. 23-26).

COVID-19: Business as usual ... or panic stations?

12-Mar-2020 By Nathan Gray

As the grip of the COVID-19 outbreak begins to extend more seriously beyond China, there have been mixed messages about the impact of the virus on the nutritional supplements industry. Are we at panic stations – or is it more a case of business as usual?